Ongoing partnership supports Gozo’s only dedicated swimming school for children and teenagers

BMIT Technologies has renewed its sponsorship of Otters Swimming Academy, extending its support for Gozo’s only specialised swimming programme for children and teens.

This multi-year partnership has helped Otters offer dedicated swimming lessons to hundreds of young people across Gozo, giving more children the chance to develop their skills in a safe, structured, and supportive environment. The renewed sponsorship will help the club extend its reach even further in the year ahead.

“We’re proud to continue supporting Otters Swimming Academy and the important work they do in our community,” said Jack Mizzi, Chief Digital & Market Enablement Officer at BMIT. Swimming is not just a sport. It’s a fundamental life skill. Our sponsorship plays a direct role in helping young people across the island gain confidence, discipline and safety in the water.”

Otters Swimming Academy provides children as young as five with a structured pathway through four development stages, starting from basic aquatic mobility and progressing to more advanced swimming and training techniques. The programme is run by qualified coaches and supports swimmers of all abilities.

“For several years, BMIT has been a true partner in our mission to make swimming lessons more accessible,” said Enzo Dimech, President of Otters Aquatic Sports Club and of Otters Swimming Academy. “Together we are helping young people across Gozo, building not just skills, but a stronger, healthier community. Their continued commitment allows us to grow the programme and reach even more children each year.”

The renewed sponsorship forms part of BMIT’s broader commitment to supporting local initiatives that promote youth development, wellbeing, and education. Just last month, BMIT announced its support for para powerlifter Nick Mercieca on his journey to the Paralympics in 2028.

BMIT Technologies is proud to announce recognition as a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Security.

This designation is Microsoft’s way of identifying partners with proven capability to deliver advanced security, compliance, and identity solutions. It is our third designation, alongside Modern Work and Azure Infrastructure and strengthens our role as a comprehensive technology partner for growing businesses.

Why this matters

Cyber threats evolve quickly, and so must defences.  This Security designation validates our ability to implement enterprise-grade security solutions that protect, scale, and adapt with our clients' evolving business needs. It also reflects our approach to Zero Trust—verifying every access request, regardless of user, device, or location.

What This Means for Our Clients

What clients gain

We design and operate integrated Microsoft security environments, including Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Sentinel, and Microsoft Entra for identity and access. Together, these solutions help organisations detect and respond to threats faster, reduce risk exposure, and simplify compliance.

Strategy before tools

Security is most effective when it’s built into the IT roadmap, not added as a reaction to incidents. We align security priorities with business objectives, so protection grows in step with expansion, new services, and changing regulations.

Backed by Microsoft

As a Solutions Partner for Security, we benefit from enhanced technical support, dedicated environments, and early access to Microsoft’s latest innovations. Clients see the impact in faster deployments, better-informed architecture decisions, and proactive responses to emerging threats.

Building for the future

This designation deepens our partnership with Microsoft and ensures we continue to apply best practices and the latest capabilities across identity, threat detection, data protection, and compliance. Our goal remains constant: enable confident growth while maintaining security and operational excellence.

Let’s talk

Ready to strengthen your security posture? Let’s discuss how our enhanced capabilities can protect and empower your business.

 Learn more about our cybersecurity services: https://www.bmit.com.mt/cybersecurity/

BMIT has been awarded Gold status as a Veeam Cloud Service Provider (VCSP) Partner!

This achievement highlights our ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering trusted cloud and data protection solutions. Earning Gold status is a significant recognition from Veeam, demonstrating that our expertise and dedication place us among the industry’s top service providers.

For our valued customers, this milestone is a further assurance that you are partnering with a provider who not only meets, but exceeds high industry standards. As we continue to grow and evolve, our focus remains on delivering exceptional value and service to you.

SmartCity Malta – November 11, 2024 – BMIT Technologies (MSE: BMIT), Malta’s leading provider of infrastructure, hybrid cloud, cyber resilience, and managed IT services is announcing today that it has achieved the prestigious Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Platinum Solution Provider Partner status.

This recognition highlights BMIT’s dedication to delivering exceptional value and expertise in deploying HPE’s cutting-edge technologies to its clients. Achieving HPE Platinum Partner status signifies that BMIT has met stringent requirements in technical specialisations and certifications, and commercial engagements.

This is the highest level of HPE Partner status in the HPE Partner Ready programme. Platinum signifies the highest level of expertise and certification to build and configure HPE solutions. As a Platinum Partner, BMIT gains access to exclusive HPE resources, including advanced training, certifications, and the latest technologies, enabling BMIT’s team to deliver exceptional service and solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. 

“Reaching HPE Platinum Partner status is confirmation of BMIT’s commitment and expertise designing and implementing HPE IT solutions for our customers,” said Sean Cohen, Chief Customer Delivery & Support Services Officer at BMIT.

“This achievement not only validates our capabilities but also strengthens our ability to drive innovation and success for the businesses we serve. We are excited to leverage this enhanced partnership to offer even greater value to our clients and help them accelerate their digital transformation journeys using HPE’s hybrid cloud, AI, and edge computing solutions.”

Zoran Balaban, CDG Sales Lead at HPE , said, “We are excited to welcome BMIT to the HPE Platinum Partner community. Their achievement reflects BMIT’s commitment to delivering transformative solutions that help businesses thrive in today’s digital economy. We look forward to working alongside BMIT to meet and exceed our mutual clients’ expectations and build on what is already a very successful partnership.”

About BMIT Technologies plc

BMIT Technologies plc is a technology company providing digital infrastructure, including tower operations and datacentre services, hybrid cloud solutions, cyber resilience, IT governance, implementation and managed services. The company specialises in designing, building, modernising, and managing enterprise IT setups that businesses rely on for growth, security, resilient operations and to thrive in a digital world. For more information visit: www.bmit.com.mt.

Phishing attacks show no sign of abating and continue to be one of the most pervasive and damaging.

Despite new technologies, training and awareness programmes, phishing persists, targeting the most vulnerable element in any security infrastructure: human judgment. 

In the Email Security Risk Report 2024 by Egress, nine in 10 organisations said they were the victims of phishing attacks (94%), with nearly all of them (96%) saying they were ‘negatively impacted’. 

Looking at the bigger cybersecurity picture, phishing accounted for 71% of cyber threats (ReliaQuest) with social engineering being the “most common route to achieve initial access” by cyber criminals to exploit legitimate users.

The same report said that AI’s generative technologies helped phishers to create more “realistic emails” and, for voice scammers, deep fake voice recordings of key colleagues.

Zscaler observed a nearly 60% year-on-year increase in phishing attacks in 2023 compared to the previous years.

It is safe to say that phishing is not going away any time soon. Even worse, it’s taking less time for a phishing attack to be successful. Palo Alto, in their incidence response report 2024, cite an example of how attackers gained access to an organisation, exfiltrated terabytes of data, and deployed ransomware to nearly 10,000 endpoints – in less than 14 hours. Initial entry started 30 minutes after the phishing email was sent.

As these malicious actors refine their techniques, it becomes increasingly crucial for both individuals and organisations to remain vigilant and well-informed about recognising and responding to phishing threats.

Two particularly dangerous variants of phishing have gained prominence in recent years: spear-phishing and business email compromise (BEC).

Spear-phishing represents a more targeted approach, where attackers craft messages tailored to specific individuals or organizations. These personalised attacks often leverage information gleaned from social media profiles or previous data breaches, significantly increasing their credibility and potential for success.

BEC attacks, on the other hand, involve the infiltration or spoofing of legitimate business email accounts. Cybercriminals use these compromised or imitated accounts to trick employees into making unauthorised financial transactions or transferring sensitive data. The consequences of these attacks can be severe, often resulting in substantial financial losses and irreparable damage to an organisation’s reputation.

Recognising the Signs of Phishing

Identifying phishing attempts requires a keen eye and a healthy dose of scepticism. While attackers continually refine their techniques, several common red flags can help individuals spot potential threats:

Language: Phishing emails often contain grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, or inconsistent formatting that can indicate a fraudulent source.

Unexpected Attachments or Links: Be wary of emails containing attachments or links you weren't expecting, especially if they come with vague or urgent messages encouraging you to open them.

Requests for Sensitive Information: Legitimate organisations rarely, if ever, ask for sensitive personal or financial information via email. Any such request should be treated with extreme caution.

Mismatched or Suspicious URLs: Hover over links without clicking to reveal their true destination. If the URL doesn't match the purported sender or seems off in any way, it's likely a phishing attempt.

Pressure Tactics: Phishing emails often create a false sense of urgency, threatening negative consequences if immediate action isn't taken. This pressure is designed to override rational decision-making.

When faced with a suspicious email, it's important to pause, assess the situation carefully, and verify the sender's identity through alternative means before taking any action, regardless of how urgent the message may seem.

Always report suspect attempts

Recognising phishing is only half the battle; reporting these attempts is equally important. Employees should follow their organisation's established procedures for reporting suspicious communications. Some companies may also have dedicated channels or teams responsible for handling potential security threats. Prompt reporting can prevent further damage and help protect colleagues from falling victim to the same attack.

A Comprehensive Defence Strategy

Effectively preventing phishing attacks requires a multi-faceted approach that combines technological solutions with human vigilance. On the technical side, organisations should implement robust security measures such as advanced spam filters, next-generation firewalls, and email authentication protocols like DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance). 

However, even the most sophisticated technical defences can be circumvented by a single moment of human error. This is why employee awareness and training are indispensable components of a comprehensive anti-phishing strategy. Regular phishing simulations expose employees to realistic but safe examples of phishing attempts, helping them develop the skills needed to identify and respond to real threats. Comprehensive security awareness training should cover not only how to recognise phishing but also the proper procedures for reporting suspicious communications.

Creating a security culture within an organisation is perhaps the most effective long-term strategy for mitigating the risk of phishing attacks. This involves fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to question suspicious communications, share potential threats with their colleagues, and actively participate in the organisation's security efforts. 

The threat of phishing is unlikely to disappear entirely, so a combination of technological defences, human awareness, and proactive reporting can significantly mitigate the risks. 

Not every organisation has the resources or skillset to develop and run regular awareness programmes. Partnering with a managed service provider like BMIT can make all the difference to your security efforts. Contact us today for more information about our training and awareness programmes.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a powerful security tool that significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access and protects an organisation’s digital assets and sensitive information.

According to Microsoft, more than 99.9% of all compromised accounts do not have MFA enabled. Adoption figures vary according to company size, with larger organisations more likely to have implemented MFA (62%) than smaller organisations (38%). A survey by JumpCloud of 1,000 SMEs found that 83% of respondents required employees to use MFA to access all their resources.

What is multi-factor authentication?

At its core, MFA is a security system that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an online account, VPN, or application. It combines something you know (like a password), something you have (mobile app or hardware token), and something you are (biometric data like a fingerprint). This layered approach significantly enhances security by making it a lot more difficult for unauthorised users to gain access, even if they manage to compromise one factor.

The need for MFA has never been more pressing. At a time when sophisticated hacking techniques and data breaches are commonplace, relying solely on passwords is akin to leaving your front door unlocked in a high-crime neighbourhood. Passwords, once the gold standard of digital security, are now often the weakest link in our cybersecurity chain. They can be guessed, stolen, or cracked.


No security measure provides 100% security but have MFA is better than nothing at all. MFA can be attacked in several ways such as SIM-Jacking and Other Telephony Vulnerabilities; MFA Hammering or Grieving Attacks, and Adversary-in-the-Middle (AiTM) Attacks. These attacks target weaknesses in some types of MFA.


The weakest form of MFA uses text messages or voice. The next level, which is adopted by most, uses an application to provide a One-Time Password (OTP), mobile push notifications (with or without number matching) and token-based OTP. The most secure option is phishing-resistant MFA and this uses FIDO / WebAuthn authentication. The use of FIDO is strongly recommended by the US’s Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).


Where to implement MFA?

The simple answer is wherever you can. Start by auditing your accounts to identify which ones offer MFA and prioritise enabling it on the most critical ones. Email accounts, financial services, social media accounts, online stores and gaming and entertainment services should all authenticate with some form of MFA.


Implementation is but part of the game. Educating employees on the importance of MFA is crucial as is dispelling some of their ‘concerns’ that it is a nuisance and takes time and so on. There should be a balance between security and productivity (user complaints) but security should always take priority. Most platforms today are user-friendly and enabling MFA is a fast process. Yes, authentication requires an extra step but that should not be a reason not to implement MFA.


Many compliance requirements for regulations such as GDPR, PCI-DSS, DORA and HIPAA recommend or indirectly refer to MFA as a critical layer of security needed to a build resilience and have a robust security posture.


There is no overarching reason why MFA should not be implemented. Integration with legacy systems may pose a challenge but most modern platforms support multi-factor authentication. MFA reduces an organisation's vulnerability to unauthorised access, data breaches, and cyberattacks.


Don't wait for a breach to occur before acting.

How can BMIT help?

Do you need help to implement multi-factor authentication or other security measures in your organisation? Are you employees fully prepared to use MFA or have the awareness to notice and attack? Fill in the form below to talk to one of BMIT’s security experts today.

October 2025: BMIT Technologies’ ISO 27001 and PCI DSS certifications have been renewed following separate annual independent audits.

Both audits confirmed that BMIT’s systems and processes were operating to a consistently very high standard.

The ISO 27001:2022 certification is an internationally recognised standard for information security management systems. It demonstrates our robust approach to protecting customer data from unauthorised access, loss or damage as well as our commitment to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its customers' data.

The PCI DSS standard defines security requirements to protect environments where payment account data is stored, processed, or transmitted. PCI DSS provides a baseline of technical and operational requirements designed to protect payment account data.

"Renewing our ISO 27001:2022 and PCI-DSS certifications reflects our continued focus on maintaining strong security practices and meeting compliance requirements. These certifications ensure that we are following recognised standards for protecting customer infrastructures trusted to BMIT," said Dione Vella, Chief Digital and Compliance Officer at BMIT. 

For more info about our solutions please click here.

A lot has changed since the first Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiative began in 2004. The pervasive adoption of technology has been matched by an exponential increase in the number of cyber threats and attacks. Every day we come across new and sophisticated threats.

The theme “Secure Our World”, highlights the pressing need for organisations to focus on stronger cybersecurity measures to safeguard their assets, data and reputation and enhance organisational resilience. This concept encompasses preparedness for attacks and the ability to emerge from such incidents with minimal damage.

Small businesses face a diverse and evolving threat landscape, including ransomware attacks that can cripple operations, sophisticated phishing schemes exploiting human vulnerabilities, business email compromise attempts manipulating employees, and insider threats that can inadvertently expose companies to significant risks.

The advice to every organisation should be consistent: focus on the fundamentals and adopt a security culture at every level of the organisation.

Adopt a zero-trust strategy. Trust no one, verify all the time. This approach should extend beyond identity and access management (IAM) and become a mindset for every individual. Does that email look suspicious? Yes. Don’t trust. Verify its authenticity. An urgent request for payment comes from the CEO. Stop and think. Does the CEO make these kinds of requests? Verify first before processing. 

Passwords. If you’re still using passwords, make sure they are strong and use a password manager – not a piece of paper. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. It is a strong technical control against unauthorised access, requiring something you have (token, authentication app), something you are (fingerprint, retinal scan), and something you know (passphrase, password).

Regular employee training on identifying phishing attempts, handling sensitive information, and adhering to security protocols is essential and should be an ongoing effort. 

Patch, patch, patch. It only takes one vulnerability on an unpatched machine that is exposed to the internet to cause some serious damage. Don’t underestimate the importance of regular vulnerability scanning and remediation (after testing) to address potential weaknesses.

Implement frequent data backups, coupled with robust encryption practices, with one or more copies offsite, along with detailed incident response plans for mitigating damage in the event of a breach.

Regular monitoring. You need to know what is happening on your network. Are you seeing unusual network activity? Are some machines sending data to an external IP address? Setting up alerts and logging with regular monitoring can stop an attack before it causes more harm. Automate this process using a SIEM (Security information and Event Management) solution.

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we urge all organisations to take concrete steps towards enhancing their digital security but more importantly to work towards instilling a strong security culture within the organisation. Every employee has a role to play, and it is up to management to lead the way and set an example. Ongoing training plays a big part in this. 

For many organisations cybersecurity can be a challenge, but it should not be so. There are providers, like BMIT, who understand the challenges facing small businesses and what it takes to build a resilient business. Remember: It is never too late to start.

Take Action Now

If you have any cybersecurity concerns or need assistance enhancing your organisation's security posture, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of experts are ready to help you navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and build a robust, resilient infrastructure to protect your business. Fill in the below form and take the first step towards securing your world.

Learning how to prompt effectively is key to making the most of generative AI tools like Microsoft’s Copilot. As powerful as the algorithms are, how users interact with them makes all the difference. A well-crafted prompt improves the quality and relevance of the output.

The Basics of Prompting

A prompt in the context of generative AI is the initial input provided to the system to generate a desired output. This input can range from a simple question to a detailed description, depending on the complexity of the task.

Crafting Effective Prompts

  1. Be Specific and Clear: The more specific the prompt, the more accurate the output. Vague prompts can lead to generic or irrelevant responses. For instance, instead of asking Copilot to “write about AI”, a more effective prompt would be, “Explain how AI can enhance productivity in the workplace.”
  2. Provide Context: Contextual information helps AI understand the background and nuances of the task. This can include the target audience, the purpose of the content, and any specific points that need to be covered.
  3. Set Clear Objectives: Define what you want to achieve with the AI’s assistance. Whether it’s drafting an email, creating a code snippet, or generating a report, stating the objective helps in aligning the output with your expectations.

Ready to unlock the full potential of generative AI with expert guidance? Fill in the form below to learn how we can assist you in achieving more with Microsoft Copilot and other AI solutions!

Examples of Effective Prompts

  1. Content Creation: “Draft a blog post about the benefits of remote work for technology companies, focusing on increased productivity, reduced overhead costs, and access to a global talent pool.”
  2. Technical Documentation: “Write a user guide for setting up a home Wi-Fi network, including steps for choosing a router, connecting devices, and troubleshooting common issues.”
  3. Email Marketing: “Create a marketing email for our new fitness app, highlighting its personalized workout plans, real-time progress tracking, and community support features. Target audience: young adults aged 18-35.”
  4. Customer Support: “Generate a response to a customer complaint about delayed delivery, emphasising our commitment to service, the steps we’re taking to resolve the issue, and an offer of a discount on their next purchase.”
  5. Social Media Content: “Write a LinkedIn post announcing our company’s latest software update, detailing the new features and improvements, and inviting users to join a webinar for an in-depth demonstration.”
  6. Code Generation: “Create a Python script that reads a CSV file of sales data, calculates the total sales for each product category, and outputs the results in a new CSV file.”
  7. Business Proposals: “Draft a business proposal for a new client outlining our digital marketing services, including SEO, content marketing, and social media management, with a focus on increasing their online presence and engagement.”
  8. Educational Content: “Write a lesson plan for senior school students on the basics of climate change, covering causes, effects, and potential solutions, with interactive activities and discussion questions.”
  9. Data Analysis: “Analyse the attached sales data for the past year and provide a summary of key trends, including seasonal variations and top-performing products, with visual charts and graphs.”
  10. Creative Writing: “Write a short story set in a dystopian future where AI governs human society, exploring themes of freedom, control, and the human spirit.”

Repetition and refinement

If the initial output is not as expected, refine your prompt and try again. Providing feedback on what was missing or incorrect in the previous output can guide the AI towards better results.

Check the output

AI-generated content can sometimes include inaccuracies, biases, or misinterpretations of the prompt due to certain limitations. Therefore, reviewing and editing AI-generated content helps ensure factual accuracy, alignment with ethical standards, and overall quality.

Conclusion

As AI continues to evolve, the ability to craft effective prompts will become an increasingly valuable skill, empowering users to achieve more with these advanced tools. We understand the transformative power of generative AI and are here to help you harness it. Whether you're looking to improve content creation, streamline technical documentation, or enhance customer support, our experts can guide you in crafting effective prompts and integrating AI tools into your workflows.

Ready to unlock the full potential of generative AI with expert guidance? Fill in the form below to learn how we can assist you in achieving more with Microsoft Copilot and other AI solutions!

Microsoft Copilot for Security is an AI-driven tool integrated with Microsoft 365, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of security professionals. Leveraging advanced machine learning models and the vast data resources of the Microsoft Graph, Copilot assists in detecting, investigating, and responding to threats more efficiently and effectively.

Key Features

Automated Threat Detection and Response

Copilot for Security uses AI to analyse large volumes of data in real-time, identifying potential threats and anomalies that might be missed by traditional security tools. It offers automated responses to common security incidents, significantly reducing the time required to mitigate risks.

Enhanced Threat Intelligence

Integration with Microsoft’s extensive threat intelligence database allows Copilot to provide contextually rich insights into threats. This aids security teams in understanding the nature of threats, their potential impact, and the best response strategies.

Streamlined Security Operations

Copilot automates routine security tasks such as alert triage, log analysis, and threat hunting. This automation allows security teams to focus on more complex tasks that require human expertise, improving overall efficiency.

Advanced Compliance Management

Compliance is a critical aspect of cybersecurity. Copilot for Security helps organisations stay compliant with industry regulations by automating compliance checks and generating detailed reports, ensuring all security measures meet required standards.

We can help you implement and maximise the benefits of Microsoft Copilot for Security. Enhance your security posture, ensure compliance, and focus on your core business. Fill in the form at the end of this blog post to get started!

Benefits of Microsoft Copilot for Security

Increased Efficiency

By automating routine tasks and providing intelligent recommendations, Copilot significantly enhances the efficiency of security operations. Security professionals can then allocate their time and resources more effectively to high-priority issues.

Improved Threat Detection

Copilot’s AI capabilities enable it to detect sophisticated threats that traditional security measures might overlook. This improved detection ensures potential threats are identified and mitigated before they can cause significant harm.

Proactive Security Posture

With Copilot’s advanced threat intelligence and automated response features, organizations can adopt a more proactive security posture. This means anticipating potential threats and taking pre-emptive measures to protect against them.

Enhanced Compliance and Reporting

Copilot simplifies the process of maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations. By automating compliance checks and report generation, it ensures organizations can easily demonstrate their adherence to required security practices.

Strategic Importance of Microsoft Copilot for Security

Incorporating Microsoft Copilot for Security into your organization’s cybersecurity strategy is not just about leveraging advanced technology; it's about transforming how your security operations function. Here’s why it’s strategically important:

Scalability

As your organization grows, so do its security needs. Copilot for Security scales with your organization, ensuring you have the necessary tools to protect a larger, more complex infrastructure without a proportional increase in security personnel.

Integration with Existing Tools

Copilot integrates seamlessly with existing Microsoft 365 security tools such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Microsoft Sentinel. This ensures a unified and coherent security strategy, maximising the effectiveness of your security measures. Here is a breakdown of how Copilot integrates with Microsoft 365:

Cost-Effective Security Management

By automating routine tasks and improving the efficiency of your security operations, Copilot for Security helps reduce the overall cost of managing cybersecurity. This makes it a cost-effective solution for organisations looking to enhance their security posture without significant additional investment.

Microsoft Copilot for Security can be a game-changer for many organisations, particularly those with security and compliance needs but lacking the resources for a dedicated IT security operations team.  Microsoft Copilot for Security it offers support to security professionals, enabling them to detect, investigate, and respond to threats more effectively.

Which is the best plan to get the best security options with Copilot?

To get the best security options with Copilot, subscribing to Microsoft 365 E5 is recommended. This plan includes advanced security features, compliance tools, and analytics, providing comprehensive protection and insights to bolster security operations.

Incorporating Microsoft Copilot for Security into your organisation’s cybersecurity strategy is not just about leveraging advanced technology; it's about transforming how your security operations function. It scales with your needs, integrates seamlessly with existing tools, and provides cost-effective security management.

Ready to boost your cybersecurity with Microsoft Copilot for Security? Fill in the form below to get started!